Man convicted of Laken Riley murder found guilty on all charges and sentenced to life in prison without parole

ATHENS, Ga. – “Laken’s life was not the only life taken on that day that Jose Ibarra attacked her. The life of her family and friends was taken, too. None of us will ever be the same,” said Allyson Phillips, Laken’s mother.

Family, friends of Laken Riley…Facing her killer in court….To honor her life….While detailing the immense loss caused by Jose Ibarra.

“Laken had a beautiful and bright future. She was smart, hard-working, kind, thoughtful, and most importantly, she was a child of God,” said Allyson Phillips, Laken’s mother.

With Ibarra watching, Laken’s stepfather…Reading a final entry from Laken’s journal…Expressing her hopes for the future that will never come.

“To my future husband, I want you to know that I’m thinking about you and I’m working every day to be the best wife I can be,” said John Phillips, Laken Riley’s stepfather.

Laken’s sister, describing her as a best friend and role model….Saying she’ll miss her infectious laugh.

While also describing how this crime robbed her of her sense of safety.

“Jose Antonio Ibarra has completely and utterly ruined my life, and I can only hope and pray that he receives a sentence that ruins his. Thank you,” said Lauren Phillips, Laken Riley’s sister.

Ivan Rodriguez reporting.

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